What is clinical research?

A clinical study (sometimes called a clinical research study, trial, or protocol) is a way to determine if new medications are safe and effective. Medications being researched for safety and effectiveness are known as investigational drugs or study drugs.

Types of Clinical Studies/Trials:

There are 4 types of clinical studies:

Phase I studies test a new investigational drug on humans for the first time, using a small number of volunteers to study best dosage and potential side effects.

Phase II studies test an investigational drug with a larger number of volunteers to learn more about side effects, how the body uses the drug, and how the drug helps the condition.

Phase III and IV studies use larger numbers of volunteers and may compare the investigational drug with a commonly used drug or placebo (an inactive substance).

A clinical trial is a carefully designed study that involves people like you to volunteer to receive investigational products under close supervision. All trials are independently reviewed by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

Once you are interested in a study, we will explain the trial, go over the informed consent, go through a detailed eligibility criteria questionnaire with you, outlining the specifics of the clinical trial. It is important that you take all your medications as prescribed and keep all scheduled appointments for visits.